Math Problem Statement

Simplify \( \frac{5 \sqrt{72}}{\sqrt{24} + \sqrt{54}} \)

Solution

The given expression is:

57224+54\frac{5 \sqrt{72}}{\sqrt{24} + \sqrt{54}}

To simplify this expression, let's break it down step-by-step.

Step 1: Simplify the Square Roots

  1. Simplify 72\sqrt{72}: 72=36×2=362=62\sqrt{72} = \sqrt{36 \times 2} = \sqrt{36} \cdot \sqrt{2} = 6\sqrt{2}

  2. Simplify 24\sqrt{24}: 24=4×6=46=26\sqrt{24} = \sqrt{4 \times 6} = \sqrt{4} \cdot \sqrt{6} = 2\sqrt{6}

  3. Simplify 54\sqrt{54}: 54=9×6=96=36\sqrt{54} = \sqrt{9 \times 6} = \sqrt{9} \cdot \sqrt{6} = 3\sqrt{6}

Step 2: Substitute Back into the Expression

Now, substitute these simplified values back into the expression:

56226+36\frac{5 \cdot 6\sqrt{2}}{2\sqrt{6} + 3\sqrt{6}}

This simplifies to:

302(2+3)6=30256\frac{30\sqrt{2}}{(2 + 3)\sqrt{6}} = \frac{30\sqrt{2}}{5\sqrt{6}}

Step 3: Simplify the Fraction

Now, divide both the numerator and the denominator by 5:

30256=626\frac{30\sqrt{2}}{5\sqrt{6}} = \frac{6\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{6}}

Step 4: Rationalize the Denominator

To remove the square root in the denominator, multiply the numerator and the denominator by 6\sqrt{6}:

62666=6126=12\frac{6\sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{6} \cdot \sqrt{6}} = \frac{6\sqrt{12}}{6} = \sqrt{12}

Step 5: Simplify 12\sqrt{12}

Finally,

12=4×3=23\sqrt{12} = \sqrt{4 \times 3} = 2\sqrt{3}

Final Answer

57224+54=23\frac{5 \sqrt{72}}{\sqrt{24} + \sqrt{54}} = 2\sqrt{3}

Would you like further clarification on any of these steps?

Follow-up Questions

  1. How would you simplify similar expressions involving square roots?
  2. What is the process of rationalizing the denominator, and why is it used?
  3. Can you apply these steps to simplify 502+8\frac{\sqrt{50}}{\sqrt{2} + \sqrt{8}}?
  4. What other methods exist for simplifying expressions with square roots in the denominator?
  5. How does simplifying radicals differ when working with cube roots instead of square roots?

Tip

When simplifying square roots, look for perfect square factors (like 4, 9, 16, etc.) to make the simplification easier.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Simplifying Expressions
Square Roots
Rationalizing the Denominator

Formulas

\( \sqrt{a \times b} = \sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} \)
Rationalizing the denominator by multiplying by conjugates

Theorems

Simplification of Radicals

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11